What is TROTT?
Where does the TROTT program take place?
To which airport should I secure a ticket?
How do I get a passport? 
How long does it take to get a passport?
What help does your board provide by means of obtaining a visa?
What immunizations are required? 
What are the living conditions during the TROTT program?
As far as raising support goes, is that an independent process? Where should I instruct supporters to send money?
Do I get insurance from your provider or do I go through my current company?
Can my pastor send his recommendation via email?
What type of photo do I need to send with my application?
What should I take with me to Bolivia?
How can I prepare physically for the trip?
Are there travel agencies that cater to missionaries?
What will be expected of me during the TROTT program?
What are the approximate expenses incurred for the TROTT program?

What is TROTT?
TROTT is an acronym for Training to Reach Outlying Territories Today.
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Where does the TROTT program take place?
Vallegrande, Bolivia, South America. If you look on the map and draw a line between Santa Cruz and Sucre at about the halfway point and a little north of your line you should find Vallegrande, a large Andean village. Most of the program is conducted in a rural setting in and around Vallegrande.
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To which airport should I secure a ticket?
You will arrive and depart from the city of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, using the Viru Viru International Airport. Please confirm travel plans with Bro. Rader before purchasing tickets.
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How do I get a passport? 
Contact your local post office or county clerk
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How long does it take to get a passport?
Approximately 90 days.
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What help does your board provide by means of obtaining a visa?
You will be issued a 90 day tourist visa at the Viru Viru International Airport upon your arrival for a cost of $125.
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What immunizations are required? 
The CDC will recommend quite a few: cholera, yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis, malaria, etc… By law you are required to have a yellow fever shot before reentering the USA.
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What are the living conditions during the TROTT program?
You will live and eat with a national family. Running water, electricity, and other amenities depends on the individual family.
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As far as raising support goes, is that an independent process? Where should I instruct supporters to send money?
This is independent, however, Baptist Pioneer Mission, will handle your funds if you wish. If you so desire BPM can set up an account for you. BPM will then receive your funds and send them to the bank of your choice.  Your local church may be able to help you with this as well.
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Do I get insurance from your provider or do I go through my current company?
Go through your current provider. All BPM missionaries get their insurance independently. Insurance for this sort of trip is not always easy to get.
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Can my pastor send his recommendation via email?
YES!!
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What type of photo do I need to send with my application?
Please send a recent color photo that is a good likeness.  Yes you can send it via email.
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What should I take with me to Bolivia?

A. Clothing: One tie and sports coat for the men and one nice outfit for the ladies is recommended as an occasion may arise that will call for such dress. A set of work clothes is advisable as we may get involved in building programs, field work, butchering, etc. It will be winter down here and it does get cool in the Andes (below freezing with unheated houses) so bring some late fall type of clothing. We discourage the ladies from using pants, however, one pair of modest female pants is a good idea.

B. Bible and writing material. Writing materials are available here. The Spanish translation Reina Valera 1960 is the Spanish Bible to be used.

C. Toiletries. A shaving/toiletries kit. Toiletries can be purchased here so it is not necessary to bring enough for the duration of your stay, however, a convenient travel sized kit will be helpful. A towel and wash cloth for use while you room with Bolivians.

D. Money: Cash or personal checks only. Travelers checks are discounted quite heavily and are more difficult to use. If bringing personal checks, be prepared to write only one check that will cover your entire stay. No two party checks.

E. Sleeping bag.

F. Rain is unlikely during our winter but it can happen so a rain coat may be good.

G. Camera and lots of film. If you bring a digital camera also bring the installation software and any cables.  We can burn your pictures onto cd.

H. Sunscreen.

I. Medicines are available at a reasonable cost, however, if you have
special needs bring what you think you'll need. Please inform me soon if you
have particular problems. This will not disqualify you from the program but
we want to be prepared to help you.

J. A good Christian attitude!!
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How can I prepare physically for the trip?
Altitude may affect you so get your lungs expanding. Walk a lot or get even more strenuous exercise.
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Are there travel agencies that cater to missionaries?
RAPTIM 800-777-9232 www.raptimusa.com
Valley Travel 800-290-6714
MTS Travel 800-444-3004 www.mtstravel.com
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What will be expected of me during the TROTT program?

1. Fulfill all academic requirements.

2. Participate in the practical application of what is studied.

3. Be honest with us and please be flexible. This is for the good of all.

4. Be willing to learn and be open to God's leading. The proper attitude is
very important.

5. If you suffer from any physical problems be sure to notify us upon your
arrival.

6. Carry your share of the burden of living. Daily living takes longer here
than in the States. Cooking, mechanical work, purchasing, cleaning, etc.

7. Follow our advice.
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What are the approximate expenses incurred for the TROTT program?
This is obviously variable.  

Miami/Santa Cruz, Bolivia/Miami                                        $900 adult
                                                                            $90 Children under 2.

Mission Home                                                           $20.00 ($10.00/day X 2 days.)
This is for your stay in the city of Santa Cruz.
One night upon arrival and one night on departure.

Travel to and from the airport and expenses incurred by the                 $35 or less
missionary who will meet you will vary according to the number
participants in the program.

Airport exit tax.                                                $25

Bus Fare                                                                 $12.00
Round trip from Santa Cruz to Vallegrande.

Room and Board.                                     $231 ($3/day)
Anti-parasite Medicine                                              $12.00

In Country Travel                                                          $50.00
For bus and truck rides, horse rental, etc.
This may not be used but it is good to be prepared.

Laundry                                                                  $1.50-Per dozen pieces.
This is hand washed. A shirt counts as 1 piece.
About 5 pairs of socks make 1 piece.
You may be able to wash your own clothes to save money.

Application Fee                                                     $10.00
This is non-refundable and should be
sent to Baptist Pioneer Mission.

Tuition                                                                   $400
To be paid in Bolivia at beginning of program.

Miscellaneous $$??-Souvenirs, extra travel, personal needs,
offerings, etc. This depends on you.

      Assuming the above figures to be accurate, an adult who spends
      $50.00 for travel, sets aside $100.00 for miscellaneous items, and
      pays for the washing of 1 dozen pieces of laundry per week
     ($15.50 for 11 weeks) would need approximately $1810.50 for
     the entire program. This does not include travel expenses from
     where you are to Miami and back, passport ($135), nor any
     pre-field shots that you may need.  In the case of a family not
     every individual would need to have money available for extra
     travel, tuition, nor miscellaneous expenses.

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